Roller Cover DNA

By Monarch

Aug 22, 2025 · #Info

Roller Cover DNA

The DNA of a roller cover is simple but important to know when choosing the right cover for your job.

Nap
Roller Covers come in different nap or fabric lengths to suit different applications and paint types. The nap length and material will determine how much paint is held in the roller and how much paint is released, so it is very important to match the right nap with the right application as listed on the next page.
Core
A good quality core will ensure a strong hold on a roller cage that won't lose its shape. Manufactured to the highest standards, an extremely robust fabric to core adhesion is achieved. This means all core types we produce are hardwearing, durable, and can be used with all paint types including epoxy and industrial floor coatings.
Length
Roller length varies and should be matched to the scope of the painting project. Monarch range multiple different roller sizes including 230mm, 270mm, 360mm & 460mm. Each roller length is available across most of our fabrics.

Nap Length Guide

4mm NapRoller Covers

Nap size available in

Microfibre
Seamless Foam

Ideal paint types

Gloss/Semi-Gloss
Both water-based and oil-based enamel

Painting projects

Doors, Cupboards
Benchtops, Smooth Surfaces

10mm NapRoller Covers

Nap size available in

Microfibre
Lambswool

Ideal paint types

Flat, Matt, Low-Sheen and Semi-Gloss

Painting projects

Walls and Feature Walls

14 - 15mm NapRoller Covers

Nap size available in

Microfibre
Woven Polyester
Lambswool

Ideal paint types

Flat, Matt and Low-Sheen

Painting projects

Walls, Ceilings, Epoxy and Industrial Floor Coatings*

*Woven Polyester and Lambswool only

20mm NapRoller Covers

Nap size available in

Woven Polyester
Lambswool

Ideal paint types

Flat, Matt and Low-Sheen

Painting projects

Ceilings, Epoxy, Industrial Floor Coatings and Slightly Rough Surfaces

26 - 28mm NapRoller Covers

Nap size available in

Woven Polyester
Lambswool

Ideal paint types

Flat, Matt and Low-Sheen

Painting projects

Very Rough and Very Textured Exterior Surfaces

Roller Cover Fabrics

Choosing the most suitable roller material can help you make your painting job easier and faster, check out the Monarch roller materials on offer:

Microfibre

Monarch's exclusive microfibre is the best quality on the market. Manufactured using premium synthetic fibres, these are put through a unique, post-manufacture fabric enhancing process. This ensures controlled and even paint release, which guarantees consistent and improved paint coverage to get your paint job done fast. Heavily reduced fibre lodging and fabric separation is also achieved, resulting in the cylindrical shape of the roller being maintained, with in the smoothest quality professional finish being applied, every time.

Woven Polyester

Our open weave woven polyester fabric has been developed for the trade and is exclusive to Monarch. The woven fibres are twice as thick compared to Monarch Microfibre. This fleecy type of open weave fabric holds more paint and provides increased coverage for faster project speed. A very versatile and durable fabric that can be used with all paint types, across a multitude of projects, including epoxy and industrial floor coatings.

Lambswool

Made from quality 100% natural Australian lambswool. This extremely durable natural wool fibre ensures a longer life product. Its natural open weave provides the greatest paint pick up and release and the ultimate paint coverage of any roller.

Seamless Foam

Our Seamless Foam 4mm nap holds less paint and applies a thinner coat, for a streak-free, super smooth finish that does not leave seamlines or imperfections on the surface. Ideal for use with oil-based gloss and semi-gloss enamels or polyurethane clear finishes. The solvent resistant phenolic core, can be used with solvent-based paint and harsh chemicals.

Value Polyester

Great quality polyester rollers that provide value and performance. This shed resistant fabric is equally suited when painting walls and ceilings but is durable enough be used with epoxy and membrane applications.

How To Choose a Roller

It is very important to not only choose a quality roller, but to also choose the RIGHT quality roller for the right surface you are painting.

Thick or thin makes a big difference

Each roller has a different thickness of fabric or “nap”, specifically designed for different surfaces around the home. The thicker the nap or length of fabric, the more paint a roller will hold. The thicker the nap, the rougher the surface the roller is designed for. The smoother the finish you want the lower the nap of roller you should use.

Size and Style

3-5mm NAP

A thinner nap provides a smooth quality finish using water based or oil based gloss or semi-gloss paints. They are designed to hold a small amount of paint, which also helps in gaining that ultra smooth finish. These are to be used mainly for painting doors or cupboards.

7-9mm NAP

Helps to achieve a very smooth finish. They are designed for painting feature walls or walls where you want to get a really smooth finish with less “roller stipple than 12mm rollers”. You can actually use an “All Purpose roller” on all surfaces in your home, although you will always get a better finish by using the special nap roller designed for a specific surface and purpose.

10-15mm NAP

The most commonly used roller for painting all walls and ceilings around the home. They are designed to hold a fair amount of paint, usually for applying flat or low sheen paints. Quality 12mm nap rollers will apply an even paint film to your walls and ceilings and give you a great finish, without splattering paint all over you and the floor. Professional painters actually use 20mm nap rollers on ceilings, and 12mm nap rollers on walls.

18-26mm NAP

Rough and Textured Surface Rollers have a thick 20mm nap, and are specifically designed to paint rough surfaces like bagged brick, render or brickwork itself. They are also designed to hold large volumes of paint, as these surfaces are very thirsty to paint. The thick roller helps on these surfaces, not only to put on more paint, but also to “get into all the deep surfaces” that these rough surfaces have.